Attempts by two unidentified men, who tried to attack Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi in Brisbane, Australia on Wednesday night has shocked the nation and triggered condemnation from various fronts. Our reporter Yolanda Lavata’i speaks to the public to get their views on the issue.

National airline Samoa Airways is celebrating its one-year anniversary this month. Our reporter Yolanda Lavata’i talked to members of the public to get their views on the performance of the airline and its services.

Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sa’ilele Malielegaoi last week criticised the performance of nurses in Samoa and accused them of “unprofessional behaviour”.
Our reporter Yolanda Lavata’i in a Street Talk hears the views of members of the public and what they think of Tuilaepa’s criticism.

The Land Transport Authority-owned operated parking meters - which were installed in various parts of the Apia business district - went into operation this Monday. Our reporter Yolanda Lavata’i talks to members of the public to get their views on what they think about the new revenue-generation system for the L.T.A.

With the Government declaring tomorrow November 7 a public holiday, to mark 100 years since the infectious pneumonic influenza came to our shores and wiped out 22 per cent of Samoa’s population, reporter Yolanda Lavata’i talks to members of the public to get their views on the issue and the Government’s plans to commemorate the day at Vaimoso.

The Government recently announced an increase in retail prices for petrol, diesel and kerosene effective November 1. Reporter Yolanda Lavata’i interviewed different members of the public to get their views on the price increase.

With the extension of hours to sell alcohol in retail shops to 1.00 AM by the Liquor Board on October 25, 2018, our reporter Talaia Mika had to ask the public about their views on whether the extension was a positive move forward for Samoa, considering alcohol has been associated with many social crimes and domestic violence issues in the country. The response from some members of the public are highlighted below:

Members of the public have spoken out on the recent sacking of former Manu Samoa Head Coach, Fuimaono Titimaea Tafua, by the Samoa Rugby Union. Our reporter, Talaia Mika asked the public on whether the S.R.U. and its Chairman, Tuilaepa Sa’ilele Malielegaoi should apologise to Fuimaono. Responses from some members of the public are outlined above:

“The Samoa A has been crowned winners of the World Rugby Americas Pacific Challenge in Uruguay. But none of the players are in the Manu Samoa team for the Northern Hemisphere tour end of this year. Talaia Mika* asked members of the public if Samoa A players should be included in the Manu Samoa squad. This is what they said:

Should the 2019 Miss Samoa Pageant and Teuila Festival be held in Savaii? Reporter Adel Fruean travelled to Savai’i to cover the pageant and also had the chance to speak to locals on what they thought of Samoa’s two premier events.

The decision made by Government to prioritise commercial farmers regarding the distribution of banana has received a backlash from members of the public. Our reporter, Adel Fruean asked the public about their opinion on the decision made by the Government and they responded:

“Parking meters is the way of the future. That’s clearly the message from the Government after several parking meters were installed in different parts of the Apia Towship this week. What do you think about paying to park in Samoa? Our reporter, Adel Fruean, asked members of the public in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

“ It’s a fact. More and more retail stores in Samoa are being run by new Chinese immigrants. What do you think? Are you concerned about it? Are you worried that there will come a time when no Samoan will ever own and operate a local store? Adel Fruean asked members of the public in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

The future of former world heavyweight boxing champion, Lupesoliai La’auliolemalietoa Joseph Parker, has become one of the biggest talking points this week following his latest loss to Dillian Whyte on Sunday. Should he continue or not? And should he change his Trainer, Kevin Barry? Prime Minister Tuilaepa believes he should (see story). But do you and why? Adel Fruean asked people in today’s Street Talk and this is what they said:

The tussle between the Police and the Land Transport Authority (L.T.A.) over the enforcement of traffic infringements and the collection of fines is an interesting one.
Purely from an outside perspective, it appears to be a show of who has the biggest muscles and how far one can flex them.

I want to share a reflection on suicide by quoting from a speech I made in 2002 because it is relevant and topical. Rituals also express meaning, nuance and metaphor. During (former) Prime Minister’s Helen Clark’s wreathe presentation at Tamasese’s grave, 4 June 2002, Lufi Falefa and Salani could have chanted the funeral chants, the birth chants, the war chants, the victory chants.

P.M. on Church leaders
It seems Prime Minister Tuilaepa can’t leave members of clergy alone.
During a radio programme last week, he had plenty to say about Church Ministers. For instance, he reminded them that Church Ministers were only taught on spiritual matters, not on Economics.

The spears flew towards the youth on the hill, whistling as they cut through the air. Grinning, Queen Medb’s general drew his sword, eager to take back to his Queen the head of this warrior whom they called the Hound of Ulster. He had no doubt his spears would find their mark.